With the Brexit fallout and Trump's impending election as the 45th US President, the Pound is going up and down and round and round more times than the Colossus roller coaster at Thorpe Park.

The latest news is the pound is soaring against the Euro, and whilst UK staycations have taken off this year, it could now be prime time to book your winter weekend break and get the best deal possible.

Usually when I travel I try and find the cheapest possible, and then source accommodation afterwards. As such, I've been keeping an eye on Skyscanner, Google Flights, easyJet and Ryanair and sourced 8 of the best winter weekend break destinations for December, January and February.

Last year I headed to Iceland and Budapest and earlier this year I went on a weekend break to Tallinn in Estonia, which kicks off my winter weekend break list :)

1. TALLINN

Located out near the Eastern block, temperatures can plummet to -6 degrees in December, January and February. But don't let that put you off. Tallinn is well equipped with loads of cosy hotels and cafes that stock gallons of mulled wine. Explore the old town's hidden streets and amazing restaurants.

Return flights with Skyscanner currently range from £56 return in January.

2. BUDAPEST

With temperatures hovering around 1 degree in December, January and February, Budapest can often be found covered with a blanket of white snow. There is plenty to do and see in Budapest, and some of the best restaurants and cafes to try across all of Eastern Europe.

Return flights with Skyscanner currently range from £46 return in January.

The Széchenyi Thermal Spa Baths, Budapest

3. COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Incredibly clean, friendly with some amazing city sights and a vibrant restaurant scene. The city was designed for bikes, not cars, so it's no surprise that there are more bikes than people living in the city! In fact over 50% of the population commutes by bike every single day.

Return flights with Ryanair are currently selling for £26 return in January(!!)

4. WARSAW

Warsaw is a city I've always wanted to visit. This is possibly fuelled by fellow travel blogger posts (read this and this), and the fact the pictures of the city look amazing. Poland's capital city is ideal for a winter weekend break - not only are flights cheap, but accommodation and meals are cheap too!

Return flights according to Google Flights are around £40 - £46 return with Ryanair or Wizz Air in February.

5. BERLIN

Berlin was another city I re-visited in 2015. As well as being rich in history, the city itself is thriving, with a great food scene, Christmas markets and a vibrant nightlife. Last time I visited, I went to watch a Bundesliga football match at the Olympic stadium - what an experience!

Return flights on Skyscanner are currently coming in around the £54 return mark.

6. DUBLIN

I love Dublin. Full of character, full of Guinness and plenty of things to see and do around the city. I've already booked Dublin for my short winter weekend break in December, and with Ryanair flying there regularly, flights are always cheap.

Return flights to Dublin in December, January and February are currently around the £30 return mark with Ryanair.

7. RIGA

Riga in Latvia is another city I'd love to explore. With a 3 hour flight from London, the city is prime for a Thursday- Sunday long weekend. Latvia's capital city is known for it's medieval Old Town and sights around the River Daugava.

According to Google Flights, return flights to Riga in January are currently around the £45 return mark with Wizz Air.

It's that time of year again - the nights are getting longer, the temperature is dropping, and it's time to choose your next ski destination!

Over the last couple of seasons, the heavy snow hasn't hit until mid-January, so if you're planning on going skiing earlier in the season, or in late March and April when the temperatures are warmer, where should you go?

A good start is to choose a snow sure ski resort, of which France has plenty. Let me run through my top seven snow sure ski resorts in France, and the reasons for each. I hope it helps you choose your ski resort this winter!

1. TIGNES

I've skied in Tignes four or five times, and it's a brilliant resort and ski area. Tignes itself sits at 2100m, but one chairlift will whisk you up and over 2,700m and the highest run starts at 3,456m at the top of Grande Motte. Tignes has loads of accommodation options, and the Espace Killy ski area connects you with Val d'Isere and over 300km of piste runs.

2. VAL THORENS

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, so 'snow sure' is its middle name. I last skied here in 2009, and it's one of my favourite ski resorts. Sitting at 2300m, you can grab one chairlift (Peclet) that sends you to 3000m and a choice of red or blue runs from the top. The apres ski is great in Val Thorens, and it connects with the massive Three Valley's ski area - the largest in Europe with 600km of piste to ski across Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel.

3. LES DEUX ALPES

The town of Les Deux Alpes is one long strip that sits at 1650m. Whilst that might seem low, the skiing reaches a peak at 3568m on the Dome de la Lauze – Europe’s biggest skiable glacier. At altitudes this high, the glacier slopes and park often open in the summer and autumn, whilst the rest of the Alps are lush and green. The glaciers flat (ish) plateau makes it perfect for beginners too.

4. LA PLAGNE

I skied in La Plagne in early 2016 (check out the blog post and vlog) and whilst it is a fragmented resort, the skiing is fantastic. I stayed in Plagne 1800, but if you stay in Belle Plagne (2050m) you'll have the quickest access to snow sure skiing and the best conditions on the Bellecôte and Chiaupe glaciers - topping out at 3417m over Bellecôte Mountain.

Skiing in La Plagne - Feb 2016

5. VAL D'ISERE

Val d'Isere is connected with Tignes, making the skiing most definitely snow sure. There are a lot of North facing slopes in Val d'Isere, meaning they stay cool and snow covered. Val is a pretty village, has great après (Folie Douce) and is part of the 300km Espace Killy. The highest slopes can be found at 3300m on the Pissaillas Glacier, with most of the other runs above 2500m.

6. LES ARCS

Connected with La Plagne by an incredible double-decker, glass bottom ski gondola, Les Arcs has lots of wide red runs. In fact 70% of the runs in Les Arcs are above the 2000m mark. Much like La Plagne, Les Arcs has accommodation in different villages - stay in Les Arc 1950 or Arc 2000 and you’ll have direct access to some of the best skiing in the Paradiski.

The lofty pistes of Les Arcs, France

7. FLAINE

Last but not least, we have Flaine. This increasingly popular ski resort is a bit of an anomaly. The town itself sits as low as 1600m, but the Grand Massif benefits from the Mont Blanc 'fridge effect' – the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers keep the area marvellously chilly and white. As such, the snow piles up...and piles up and then the North-facing slopes make sure if doesn't disappear. The North-facing slopes make up a massive (no pun intended...ok maybe) 80% of the area. The result is one of the most snow sure ski resorts in France.

A gentle run in Flaine, France

Voila! Seven of the best snow sure ski resorts in France. Some of the ski resorts may not be pretty, but at these altitudes, you are guaranteed snow, regardless of which part of the ski season you choose to go. Enjoy!

Remember how excited I got about my adventureproof Sungod sunglasses (see the video)? Well, the customisable kings at Sungod have done it again - they have created great value, top performing ski goggles, and they are just as customisable as the sunglasses.

Known as the Sungod Revolts, these ski goggles are only rivalled by the Oakley Flight Decks. Whilst sunglasses are more about fashion and fit, a great pair of ski goggles need to tick many more boxes.

From a practical point of view you want ski goggles that fit well, are comfortable, don't fog up, and - if budget allows - have interchangeable lenses to suit the conditions on the piste.

And let's not forget the fashion element - the ski goggles need to look good.

No, this is not me.

The SunGod Revolt goggles are the result of the company founders being "frustrated with over-priced, under-performing goggles", and I've been through quite a few pairs that match that description. Far too often people spend cheaply, and don't get the performance to match.

SUNGOD SKI GOGGLES - THE BEST BITS

Let's run through the list of features that make these not only great value, but also high performers.

First off, Sungod are the kings of customisation. You can choose from four different frame colours, six different tints of interchangeable 4KO Snow lenses and ten different strap designs.

Just like the sunglasses, you could be the only one to create your own combination of ski goggle. Amazing.

Here's the rest of what you need to know:

Dual layer lenses - the spherical lenses are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate and feature a dual-layer so you get great all round vision. Just like their sunglasses, there is a triple-layer scratch-resistant coating to ensure they remain in the best condition. The 4KO Snow lenses enhance contrast and optimise clarity in all conditions.

Flexible frames - SunGod ski goggle frames are lightweight, durable and made from super-flexible TPU that almost moulds to your face and provides a great fit.

Helmet compatible - it goes without saying the SunGod Revolts fit with all modern helmets from most major brands.

Air vents - the Revolt goggle vent system offers good airflow through three foam-lined upper vents and 16 circular lens vents, ensuring you don't steam up.

SUNGOD SKI GOGGLES VS THE REST

Oakley have always led the way when it comes to ski goggles and lenses, but Sungod are going to give them a serious run for their money this season.

Let's say you have a budget of £150 to spend on ski goggles. This is how they stack up:

It's now been 2 months since I first had a play with my Panasonic LUMIX camera, and it is proving to be a fantastic addition to my travel blogging gear.

As you'll see in my review post and on Instagram, the Lumix GX80 has added a much needed crisp picture dimension to all my photos.

One of my favourite features of the camera is the 4K Burst mode. Simply look at what you want to snap, hold down the button and the Lumix will take a series of crystal clear photos, of which you can select and save in 8MB form.

Check out the amazing photos I got of Andrew 'Beef' Johnson, and eventual winner Alex Noren at the British Master golf last weekend:

Look at the flex!

Impressive shots!

Even walking round the course and snapping The Grove in the last of the later summer weather was enjoyable!

And did I finally manage to get to grips with the post-focus? Yep. This is such a great feature! Check out the images below. The first shows the focus on the pink cosmos flower, and the second focuses on the garden background.

The Panasonic LUMIX GX80 post focus - pink flower

The LUMIX GX80 post focus - distance

I love this camera!

Have you ever booked a weekend away in the UK, not really knowing what to expect, but coming away with a great sense of relaxation and enjoyment? Well, that is exactly what happened to me when I stayed at Swan House B&B, in Hastings old town a couple of weeks ago.

Like a lot of British B&Bs, the current website really doesn't do Swan House justice. The place is stunning. It's much more than a B&B. It's like a home away from home. I hope the photos below go someway to showing you just how amazing the place is.

Let's start from the beginning.

I was contacted by Dorset Cereals, who are currently running a bed and breakfast awards that showcase the best staycation venues Britain has to offer. Take a look at their website and you'll see the B&Bs they list are the cream of the crop. The creme de la creme of UK B&B accommodation.

I chose Swan House B&B in Hastings, partly because they came across as incredibly friendly and approachable, and partly because East Sussex is a part of the country I've never really explored.

Now, as an added twist to this staycation weekend, it also provided me with the window of opportunity I had been craving to propose to my girlfriend.

This was not your average weekend away. Oh no.

BIRLING GAP & THE EAST SUSSEX COAST

The story begins at Birling Gap, a stretch of the South coast close to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, and one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast.

Hike 10 minutes uphill from the National Trust car park and you reach Belle Toute lighthouse (a B&B in itself). This was the stunning location we got engaged :)

The temperature was hitting the high 20's by the time we started our journey towards Hastings (bear in mind this is unheard of in late September in the UK!)

SWAN HOUSE B&B

We drove to the old town section of Hastings, dropped off the car and then headed to Swan House.

From the outside, the building smacks of elegant charm. My other half is an interior designer, and even she was impressed with the relaxed style of Swan House as soon a we walked through the door.

Cool, calm greys are met with deep double sofas sat in front of a hub open fireplace, and the walls are littered with awards, not least a Silver VisitEngland certificate pronouncing Swan House as the second best B&B in the UK for 2015. They even have an honesty bar filled with beers, wines and spirits which all guests can help themselves to. Very impressive stuff.

At this point, we were newly engaged, so when we opened the door to our huge bedroom we couldn't have been more pleased to see a bottle of Prosecco chilling on ice in the corner. They didn't even know we were engaged at this point, so that was a huge thumbs up!

We were staying in the spacious Renaissance room a huge space, full of character and has a private patio roof terrace, overlooking the small garden courtyard. One of the walls is hand-painted by a local artist and it also has its own sitting area with a sofa and coffee table. Top marks so far!

Then comes the food.

Fresh, tasty, varied breakfasts with seasonal fruit (figs in our case), as well as fresh coffee, tea and fruit juices. If these pictures make you drool, I don't apologise.

As good as the accommodation and food is, small B&B's rely on their friendly, family-esque feel in order to make them really unique, and this is where I have to take my hat off to Brendan and Harriet, who looked after us superbly (both before and after they found out we were engaged!).

The cosy garden courtyard at Swan House bed and breakfast, Hastings

HASTINGS OLD TOWN

Just as Swan House was built in the 1490's Renaissance period - hence the Renaissance room name - so Hastings old town is undergoing a renaissance of it's own. Cafes, independent restaurants and boutique shops are cropping up, and with Hasting pier re-opening earlier this year, there is a real sense that the town is beginning to thrive once more.

The old town boasts the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe, with the shore littered with fresh fish shacks, selling their catch after a hard day on the water.

A small narrow gauge railway connects the end of the fish shacks to the East Hill cliff funicular - a Victorian train coach that provides access to Hastings Country Park which overlooks the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore.

Further a long the shore, and just behind Swan House you can find traffic-free George Street, which is full of continental-style cafés, art shops and bookshops. When taking a stroll down the narrow street in the sunshine, or sat outside sipping a latte, you could be in any European city.

The road in front of Swan House leads up some narrow steps up to Castle Hill and the ruins of Hastings Castle - perfect for a birds eye view over the old town.

HASTINGS PIER

One of the most focal points of the town is Hastings pier. It opened in 1872, enjoyed its heyday in the 1930's, but gradually fell into decline. It received major storm damage in 1990 and never fully recovered, and finally closed to the public in 2008. In 2010 a fire ripped through the entire pier, but - remarkably - the sub-structure was salvageable. A charity was set up to raise funds to rebuild the pier, and it re-opened earlier this year.

The views from the pier - on a sunny Sunday like we had - are amazing.

Hasting pier basking in the September sun

PLAN YOUR OWN STAYCATION

2016 seems to have been the year of the Staycation for me! I've visited Bath, Croyde, Cornwall, the Cotswolds and of course Hastings. Maybe Brexit is having a subliminal effect on my holiday location choices!

In fact the falling pound since the Brexit vote has made holidays more expensive for us Brits going abroad and cheaper for foreign tourists coming here – giving UK tourism a double boost.

I was one year old the first time I set foot in the Lake District National Park. I grew up in Preston, a mere one hour drive from the Southern lakes, and was taken to the Lakes at least once a year throughout my childhood.

It is a special place I have visited without fail at least once a year ever since. In 2013 a friend and I hopped from bothy to bothy on a snowy Easter weekend. In 2014 I took on 24 peaks in 24 hours, one of the toughest UK hiking challenges, and nailed it. Last weekend I visited the Lake District for a fifth time this year...not bad for someone that now lives near London.

Hiking in the Lake District on a snowy Easter weekend in 2013

With over 15 million people visiting the Lake District, it is the UK's most popular National Park, and for good reason. Incredible scenery, hidden tarns, fresh air, great walks, cosy pubs selling local food and real ale, and more mountains than you can shake a stick at.

For me, if you like the outdoors, like hiking and enjoy the countryside, visiting the Lake District is a no brainer, regardless whether it is summer, spring, winter or autumn.

Over the last few weeks I've spoken to a few friends and fellow travel bloggers who have never been to the Lake District, and aren't really sure where to begin. So I thought it was long overdue that I wrote about one of my favourite places, and gave you a list of nine fantastic Lake District mountain walks for beginners.

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN THESE LAKE DISTRICT WALKS?

You'll find quite a few articles online that list various walks for Lake District newbies. I've compiled this list based on my own memories and experiences, but ensuring every one takes into account the following:

Each walk takes in special views

Each walk includes some height gain (but not too much)

Each walk will not push you out of your comfort zone if you're worried about fitness and map reading

Each walk goes past a pub (sometimes two pubs)

Each walk is close to a river, tarn or lake

Each walk is based close to the main towns of Ambleside and Keswick, which will help for accommodation options and transport links

MAPS AT THE READY

Although the walks listed below have links with maps attached, I would always advise walkers to buy a map of the area they are walking in, and have it with them during the hike. Don't rely on your phone to get you out of trouble.

These are the maps I would recommend, depending on which beginner walks you want to do:

LAKE DISTRICT BEGINNER WALKS - AMBLESIDE

These first few walks begin in or around Ambleside. Located in the South Lakes, Ambleside is easily accessible by bus, car or train, and has loads of accommodation options, from hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnb's and an amazing couple of youth hostels. There are also plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants in Ambleside too, so it's the perfect place to start your Lake District experience.

Whenever I'm in Ambleside, this is always the walk of choice for a lazy morning or afternoon. When the weather is clear the views from the top of Wansfell Pike are incredible. The walk also takes in Troutbeck village and the Waterhead pub, located on the shores of Lake Windermere.

LAKE DISTRICT BEGINNER WALKS - KESWICK

Keswick is located in the North Lakes, and is a picturesque, idyllic town. It's one of my favourite places in the Lake District. From here you can hike up hills big and small. The town was closed for much of 2016 due to awful flooding, but now it's back in full swing, with pubs, bars, shops, cafes, restaurants and museums all bustling once more.

The highlighted areas on the map below show the suggested walks.

3. CATBELLS (451m)

Summary: One of the most iconic Lake District beginners walks. Takes in the views of Derwent Water, Castlerigg Fell and the Borrowdale Fells

Speak to anyone about which mountain you should hike first in the Lake District and more often that not Catbells will come in in conversation. To say it's a simple walk doesn't do it justice. It's fantastic. The map link advises you drive to it's base and park in one of the many lay-bys (one of the reasons it is so popular), but you can walk the extra 5 miles (2.5 miles each way) from Keswick if you're feeling sprightly.

There are many variations of this route - some shorter, and some longer (which take in the old Keswick Railway Route). I've chosen the middle length of 4 miles. Perfect for a quick walk and great views.

Views over Keswick from Latrigg. Photo source Freenorthchurch.org

5. CASTLE CRAG (290m)

Summary: Includes a war memorial, Peace How and amazing views of the flat valley bed that was formerly the bottom of an Ice Age lake.

This is more of a lowland walk, but still has fantastic scenery, and gives you more of a glimpse into Borrowdale. The area was described by Alfred Wainwright as 'the finest square mile in Lakeland' - need I say more.

This is a lovely little circular walk around Rosthwaite and Watendlath, as well as taking in Great Crag. This one involves a short drive from Keswick, but is well worth it for a morning or afternoon walk.

The biggest height gain of all the walks so far, Castlerigg Crag is a distinct fell South of Keswick. It takes in some of the regions best known features and places including Walla Crag and Ashness Bridge, and has cracking views of Derwent Water. If you're feeling sprightly, you could extend the walk by an extra 4km and take on another peak in High Seat (608m).

I'M A BEGINNER, BUT A FIT & EXPERIENCED HIKER

Granted, this post has been designed for both Lake District and hiking beginners. So what if you're not a hiking beginner and are simply new to the Lake District and don't know where to start? I've got you covered with two absolute peaches.

8. BLENCATHRA (868m)

Summary: One of the most famous Lake District mountains. A good climb, with a variety of routes up and down.

This was my walk last Sunday. Slightly hungover from too much ale, we took the direct, steep and ever so slightly dangerous Hall's Crag route up. I won't like, there are some difficult sections on this route up, and it is dangerous in parts, so I would recommend taking the path up from the West of the mountain (Blease Fell), and descending down either Doddick Fell or Scales Fell. Either way, it's a great climb with incredible views looking South over pretty much the entire Lake District.

Another mountain I bagged this year for the first time since I was in my teens. Starting in Coniston, you walk past several pubs, Church Beck (where you can go canyoning) then up and around Coniston Old Man, through some old quarry workings and finally endure a scramble to the top. Well worth it to bag a great mountain.

At the summit of Coniston Old Man back in May

There you have it - my nine top Lake District walks for beginners! Are there any others you think I should add to the list? And if you're using this list as a guide, let me know how you get on :)

About Me

Hello, and welcome to Simon's JamJar, an award-winning UK travel blog about inspiring adventures, discovering the unexplored, and foodie experiences from around the world, from me, Simon Heyes.

The aim of this travel blog is to inspire you to travel to places you've never been before, go on an adventure, and take on new experiences. Whether it is hiking the Inca Trail, road tripping in a campervan around New Zealand, exploring Iceland's Golden Circle or simply taking a Brexit-fuelled staycation, you'll find plenty of adventures and travel inspiration on this blog!

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ABOUT

This UK travel blog is designed to provide inspiration for everyday adventures, and new destinations for getaways. I have travelled across Europe, South America and most recently Kenya and Malawi, gathering fresh knowledge, stories and travel tips from around the globe.

I have worked with PR companies, brands and tourism boards, including the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Papua New Guinea Tourism and Malawi Tourism. For more information on working with me, feel free to contact me on social media, using the contact form, or on hello (at) simonsjamjar (dot) com.